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PFAS alarm: 69% of fish and 39% of eggs heavily contaminated!
Frankfurt am Main reports on the widespread contamination of food with PFAS based on current study results.
PFAS alarm: 69% of fish and 39% of eggs heavily contaminated!
Alarming news recently emerged about food contamination with PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. The German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) has published the results of its PFAS check based on data from the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA). It turns out that animal products often have a particularly high level of contamination.
In spring 2025, 22 samples of chicken eggs were examined, and the result is shocking: PFAS were detected in 14 of the samples. What is particularly noticeable is that the eggs from hobby keepers were significantly more contaminated than those from commercial providers. According to the data, 69% of fish, 55% of offal, and 39% of chicken eggs are contaminated with these chemicals. Vegetarian foods, on the other hand, are much less affected at only 7%.
Health risks and legal limits
The health effects of PFAS are well documented. The chemicals are not biodegradable and can accumulate in the human body and the environment. According to the BUND, they pose risks such as increased cholesterol levels and a weakened immune system. In the Netherlands it is even discouraged to eat eggs from hobby farms. While legal limits for PFAS in food are known, they are considered inadequate, particularly for sensitive groups such as children. The EFSA has therefore set a new tolerable weekly dose (TWI) of 4.4 nanograms per kilogram of body weight, exceeding which poses health risks.
The BUND is therefore calling for a restriction on all PFAS applications and an adjustment of the limit values for food and drinking water. This includes close regulation of unmonitored PFAS variants that occur in large quantities. It is sobering that of over 10,000 known PFAS substances in the EU, only fewer than 20 are regulated, while the others may pose a health risk.
Origin of contamination
The causes of PFAS contamination in food are diverse. These chemical compounds are used in various industries, ranging from textiles to food processing. PFAS enter the food chain through contaminated soil, water and feed. They can also often be found in food packaging, which further exacerbates the problem.
The measures required by BUND not only aim to protect the health of consumers, but also to encourage long-term solutions to remediate contaminated soil and water. More and more people are choosing to consume plant-based protein products to avoid health risks from ingesting PFAS and other pollutants. The development of the next steps in European legislation remains exciting, as a proposal for comprehensive restrictions on the PFAS group is currently being examined by the EU.
Amid these challenges, it is important to be aware of the risks and make responsible decisions when purchasing food. Informed consumers are the key to change and can increase pressure on manufacturers and legislators through purchasing decisions.
For a comprehensive analysis and further information on the risks of PFAS in food and the current state of legislation, please refer to the reporting from EcoNews, Medical Journal and EFSA referred.